The most important figures in international politics will meet in Munich from February 13 to 15. Also this year, hundreds of decision-makers will talk about security, crises and solutions in extremely turbulent times. The topic that arouses the greatest emotions before the conference is that the United States will be represented only by the third person in the hierarchy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The conference will be extremely large. Almost 50 heads of state and government have already confirmed their participation in this year's summit.
— There will be a security conference in Munich in 2026 again the central platform for global dialogue on the most important issues of international security policy – says German lawyer and diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, former chairman of the Munich Security Conference.
The talks are taking place at a time when many things are uncertain. Alliances are being questioned, conflicts are escalating, and the international order is under pressure. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary Marco Rubio — not President Donald Trump or his deputy J.D. Vance.
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In this year's report to the Munich Security Conference, Rubio stated: “The post-war world order is not only outdated, but is now being used as a weapon against us.” This statement it is unlikely to appeal to many Europeans.
Trump's expectations
A politician from the German CDU party, Norbert Rottgen, does not expect a milder tone in Munich. Rubio's most important listener – like Vance's – is US President Donald Trump. “I think he will adapt his speech to his expectations,” says Rottgen.
Will Rubio reprimand European allies in Munich? Or maybe, as Wolfgang Ischinger expected, he will only talk about US foreign policy?
According to one US official, the speech will have the character of a traditional foreign policy speech. He will express support for the alliance while calling for reforms and emphasizing the shift of American policy towards the Western Hemisphere and Asia, the source reveals.
The US Secretary of State's next travel destinations also have symbolic meaning: he is scheduled to visit Hungary on Sunday and Slovakia on Monday. These countries are ruled by Viktor Orban and Robert Fico, Eurosceptics and Trump allies.
Change in the American delegation
Vance's speech at last year's conference in Munich made history. The American vice president devoted his speech entirely to sharp criticism of European democracy, accusing Europe of abandoning its own values, using censorship, ignoring voters and persecuting Christians. Vance considered this the greatest threat to the continent.
— The threat I am most worried about in the context of Europe is not Russia, it is not China, it is not any other external actor. “What I am most concerned about is the threat from within, Europe's retreat from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America,” he said.
JD Vance will not come to the Munich Security Conference this year, event organizers announced. This is a groundbreaking change. Traditionally, in recent years, American delegations were headed by vice presidents who delivered programmatic speeches on foreign policy and transatlantic relations. It's unclear why Vance won't be at the conference this year. It is known that he is to go to Europe before the conference.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
